It was Caldigate's turn to work till noon, whereas Dick went off at nine, and Mick would come on from nine till three.

At nine Mick did not make his appearance, and Dick declared his purpose of looking after him.

Caldigate also threw down his tools, as he could not work alone, and went in search.

The upshot of it was, that he did not see either of his companions again till he found them both very drunk at a drinking-shop about two miles away from their claim, just before dusk! This was terrible.

He did at last succeed in bringing back his own friend to the tent, having, however, a sad task in doing so.